JICA-assisted Rengali Irrigation Project: Odisha Reviews Progress of Phase-II Works

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up monitoring of the second phase of the JICA-assisted Rengali Irrigation Project, with a focus on expediting field-level works and removing bottlenecks related to land acquisition, forest clearance and command area development.

A high-level review meeting chaired by Water Resources Department Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma on Monday took stock of the overall progress of the project, including physical and financial achievements, ongoing civil works and the expansion of irrigation potential in the Rengali command area.

Officials made detailed presentations on the status of various work packages and apprised the meeting of the progress of major infrastructure works. The implementation of the G-III package received particular attention, with discussions focusing on the steps required to facilitate its execution.

The meeting also reviewed the status of land acquisition and forest clearances, which are critical for taking forward construction activities. Progress in command area development and other project components was examined to ensure that the planned irrigation benefits are delivered within the targeted timelines.

The JICA-assisted project is aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and expanding the area under assured irrigation in the Rengali command area. The second phase includes a range of infrastructure and development works intended to improve the efficiency and reach of the irrigation system.

The Principal Secretary stressed the need for close coordination among the concerned wings and project authorities to address implementation-related issues and maintain momentum in the ongoing works.

Director, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Ashok Kumar Behera, Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary Bighnaraj Purohit and Chief Engineer of the JICA Project Bignan Prasad Sahu, who joined the meeting virtually, were among those present.

Senior engineers, departmental officials, members of the project management team and other concerned officials also participated in the review.